How did Gunnar develop racial?

Throughout the novel, beginning with tales of his own ancestors, Gunnar speaks of black men who have unwittingly aided in the oppression, even persecution, of their own race. One of Gunnar's relatives first works painting signs promoting and enforcing Segregation and then later goes on to help create the radio program Amos n Andy, a program many think set the portrayal of black people back to the ridiculous stereotypes of the minstrel shows of the previous century. Gunnar's own father works for the Los Angeles Police Department, a governmental agency many black men at the time the novel regard as the supreme enemy.

Gunnar's own relatives are not the only examples of what he believes are black men hurting themselves. Some of these individuals appear in the most unlikely places. Gunnar grows quickly disillusioned with the leader of the black student union at Boston University. He sees this individual as one who is full of braggadocio and posturing but devoid of any real knowledge and perhaps any desire to make changes. Gunnar has even less regard for leaders of other student organizations.

If Gunnar has any distinct goals or desires, it is simply to not be like his ancestors. He does not want to be used to further oppress the people of his race. Gunnar often doubts his ability to break free from his family heritage. His academic report that mentions his tendency to betray friends is an expression of his greatest fear about himself. It is this element of longing to break free from the status quo that gives Gunnar what is perhaps his only motivation in life.